Call for climate action spreads
An estimated 10,000 Australians across the country took part in International Climate Day on October 24. Massive actions on every continent made the day the biggest global climate action yet.
More than 1,200 Sydneysiders took part in spelling out a giant ‘350’ on the steps of the Sydney Opera House as part of 350.org Global Day of Climate Action. More than 230 events took place across Australia in all states and territories and more than 4500 events are taking place in 180 countries.
The reason for the focus on 350 is that scientists have determined that 350 parts per million is the highest level of atmospheric carbon that will permit the continuity of life on Earth as we know it. Current levels are already approaching 400ppm.
In the days before, the number of registered events kept growing by the hour, sitting at 4,641 actions in 177 countries at 5pm Friday, only 15 short of every country in the world.
“We are simply astonished at the viral growth of this movement in Australia and the world in the last two weeks,” said 350.org CEO Blair Palese.
“Everyone from mothers’ groups and students, labour organisations, the head of the Greens party, to Frisbee champions and deep sea divers wanting to add their voices to the call for a move to 350 ppm as we head toward Copenhagen.”
For more information, visit 350.org.
– By Roger Hanney
